From the application to the drawing date

Topic Identification Phase

Topic Selection

Theses are assigned in the areas of digital transformation and business informatics. In addition to a chair-based offer of predefined topics, students can also choose their own topics. Consequently, there are two procedures for the initial selection of topics:

Self-defined topic

With this option, you will develop your own topic suggestions. There should be a thematic reference to the research areas of the department. For applications with a self-defined topic, in particular the following three points should be outlined in your application:

  • Main topic of your work
  • Possible research question (which questions do you want to answer with your work?)
  • Possible methodology and approach (how do you want to answer the questions?)

Predefined topic

Information on the currently offered topics can be found here.

 

Application

After having found a topic, please apply to the respective supervisor. In case of own topic suggestions, the application is made to Andreas Kilian.

Please submit your application to us at latest two months prior to your desired drawing date!

Your complete application documents include:

  • Short curriculum vitae
  • Extract of the achievements in the current study section
  • Detailed letter of motivation
  • If you suggest your own topic: short description of the topic (see procedure "Self-defined topic”)

Please send the complete documents to the respective supervisor of your chosen topic.

Subsequently, we will review both your application documents and our supervision capacities and you will receive feedback in a timely manner.

Once your application has been accepted, you will discuss your topic in detail with your supervisor and move on to the "Exposé Phase".

Exposé Phase

Exposé

First you will discuss the topic with your supervisor and subsequently prepare an exposé. This should include the following points:

  • Title
  • Motivation of the research problem and research question
  • Summary of the background literature
  • Planned research method
  • Overview/Concept of the thesis
  • First literature list
  • Planning of the procedure with milestones

As style sheet you can use this Word template. 

After submitting the exposé you will receive feedback from your supervisor. Thereafter, you may have to revise your exposé again or be directly admitted for the final thesis and can register for the next drawing date at the examination office.

DORIS Online Course

In the Exposé phase, in addition to writing your exposé, you must also take and complete the DORIS (Design-Oriented Research in Information Systems) online course. This course is designed to give you an overview of different research methods in the field of information systems and to introduce you to the procedures of scientific work. 

The course is provided via Moodle and can be taken using the following link: Link to follow soon

After successfully completing the course and having your exposé accepted, you will now reach the "registration phase".

Registration Phase

Registration Vipa

You can now register your desired drawing date for the final thesis at the examination office. Please note the information and deadlines published on the homepage of the examination office.

 

Official Subject Area Agreement

After successfully registering your thesis with the examination office, the official subject area agreement has to take place with your supervisor no later than one week before the desired drawing date. For this purpose, you will arrange a suitable date with your supervisor and again specify the topic, the framework and the processing time of your thesis in detail.

Processing time

Bachelor's programs: 10 weeks (PO 2013)

Master's degree programs: 6 months, except Business Pedagogy 15 weeks (PO 2014)

If your degree program is governed by examination regulations other than those specified, please refer to the examination regulations that apply to you for the processing time.

Drawing Date

You will officially receive your thesis topic and further instructions from the examination office on the agreed drawing date. At the same time, your processing time will begin. Please also note the information about the drawing dates on the homepage of the examination office.